Vallejo School Board to consider layoffs

The Vallejo school board will consider eliminating dozens of teaching positions Wednesday during the first major part of its annual budgeting process.

The Vallejo City Unified School District is proposing cutting the equivalent of more than 46 full-time positions, ranging from elementary school teachers to middle and high school science and special education teachers.

Certificated employees like teachers must be notified of possible layoffs by March 15. Last year, the board cut about 115 certificated positions as the district grappled for potentially deep cuts

Staff reports indicate that the layoffs are the result of the district's continuing restructuring, including the creation of various magnet schools and career academies.

The board also will decide whether to change its election cycle from odd years to even years. The district could potentially save money if other jurisdictions join it in the move.

Currently, most of Solano county cities and school boards hold elections in odd-numbered years. However, there has been a recent push to consolidate all to even years. Both the city of Benicia and the Benicia Unified School District are exploring that option.